19centconstable | Case # 5: Voice

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Case # 5: Voice

[Enjoy the sound of George's dulcet, Newfinese tones. Like Ireland rolled off of Canada the morning after, and Canada was like, 'You'll call me, eh?', but Ireland totally never called.]

I'd like to speak to Mr. William Pratt, if I may, and also a Dr. Capa?

And also any member of the infirmary staff, when you have a moment. I don't believe it's an emergency.

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You don't have to include the title. I'm Capa.

Alright. I had a report over the weekend that you had assaulted one of the parents on board, but as it was quite singular, and simultaneously vague and detailed, I suspected the altercation must have been at least mutual. I was hoping you could shed some light on the situation. Are you unharmed?

It didn't start mutual. But I'm unharmed.

Then who struck the first blow?

Me. What is the point of this?

I'm a constable, sir. When something is reported to me, it's my duty to look into it.

Why did you hit him?

Because of what he did to my inmate. No, I won't tell you what it was.

I do respect their privacy.

[And George suspects it must be something a good deal worse than abandonment, which people are usually willing to speak about.]

Thank you for being so forthright with me, doctor.

Capa.

You're welcome. Thank you for not prying.

Of course. George Crabtree, Toronto Constabulary.

[Goddammit, mother, you just had to spread that name.]

It's Spike.

...really?

Has been for the past century or so.

Oh, well if you like.

...I'm sorry, did you say century?

Dear old mum missed the part of the story where I turned into a vampire.

She...certainly did.

Well, uh, I was hoping we might have a chat.

If you'd like. I'm doubting I'll be anything like the prancing idiot my mum would have described. William Pratt's been dead over a century. I'm what's left.

[That's... a bit of an exaggeration. Spike is different from his human self in some very superficial ways, but deep down, he's the same man in a lot of ways. Just with a hell of a lot more life experience. And sex.]

Well, we didn't discuss any prancing, sir, but it's actually your mother I'd like to have a chat about.

What about her?

She seemed to have a cough. A rather bad cough.

Yeah. Tuberculosis. Nasty business, especially back then. Won't kill her, though.

[His voice is tight and guarded. His tone is sort of flip, but this is actually a pretty painful memory.]

Yes it is.

I know this may be difficult to discuss, but I was wondering what steps, if any, you've taken towards disinfection. Do you know what areas of the ship she might have frequented besides your cabin?

Probably not many. She wasn't big on moving around during her last days.

Of course. But she was here for several days, so she must have eaten something. Are there dishes in your room?

I suppose that your...lifestyle choice makes exposing your quarters to sunlight complicated.

My "lifestyle choice?" Of drinking blood and being allergic to holy objects and sunshine? [That is definitely some amusement and disdain in his tone.] Yeah, that was a big choice I made.

Anyway, where exactly would we get sun in the middle of outer space?

And no, no dishes. Not like I'd keep any food she'd want around anyway.

I know she went to Buffy's room for tea as well.

What would you call it?

That is another complication. Hopefully soap and airing will be enough.

She'll have to be informed, then.

We have to call it something? It's just me being a bloody vampire.

Also the reason I'm not so worried about airing out my room. I'll not catch it, and shouldn't the Admiral be taking care to make sure the people he brings here don't spread horrible diseases?

No, I suppose not.

He should, but can we be sure that he has? I would rather be safe than sorry.

Yeah, all right I guess.

[Ugh, he hates this whole situation. And sort of wishes he could have talked to his mum.]

And...I'm sorry about your mother, sir. She seemed like a splendid woman.

She died a century ago. I'm not one to linger over old wounds.

[...he does appreciate it, though. He's just being surly.]

Of course, but: just the same.

[Some of George's best friends are surly.]

I am one of the infirmary staff at present.

Very good. I have reason to believe we may have all been exposed to something.

Indeed? Do you believe this to be a type of disease?

One of the recently visiting parents was a consumptive.

Oh. Oh dear. It may have spread.

I was hoping there had been some sort of medical advancements. At least in detection and disinfection. As someone has already pointed out to me: sun exposure is difficult to get in space.

There is likely a development that has taken place. Modern science has changed vastly the study of illness.

That's comforting to hear. Which advancements have you heard of?

There have been great advancements in medicine, particularly in the areas of vaccination and medication. Ms Martha Jones will be able to give you an impressive overview of these things.

I've spoken with her before. She's quite a good doctor. Very gentle.

Indeed. She is the most skilled of all the doctors.

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Case # 5: Voice

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